New Media & The Virginia Association of Museums

Today I had the privilege of speaking to a workshop of the Virginia Association of Museums on new and social media. The real treat was getting to co-present with Chad Wollerton of Monticello and seeing the cool things they've been doing as well.

After my speech, Chad shows how Monticello uses new media

The presentations and questions really brought out the tremendous value in getting your institution's message out- especially since if you don't, someone else will. Even about a museum's topics, it may be best that you at least start the conversation, even if the topics are controversial. We had the value proven in front of our eyes as a bit.ly link by the brand-new Twitter account for Gari Melchers got 6 opens in about 60 seconds. (And it certainly helped my point when a Facebook ad campaign I held up as an example was actually served up to one of the attendees while logged in on the big screen.)

You can follow VAMuseums on Twitter and Facebook, as well as Monticello's Twitter (TJMonticello). Be sure to check out the Monticello Facebook Page, the Jefferson Today blog, and if you can, stop by and see the really fantastic new Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center & Smith Education Center.

It was great meeting my new friends of the VA Association of Museums - keep in touch!

"Monitcello's Parlor lovingly reconstructed by a Monticello guide." Taken by Dean and used as a demo by Chad.

-Dean